For years, you have rented apartment after apartment. You dreamed of one day buying your own house so all that rent money can be invested instead of wasted. And after years of planning and saving, you are ready to take the plunge into homeownership for the first time.

Having a pet is a rite of passage for the 44% of Americans that own a dog. If you’ve recently purchased your first home and are ready to join those ranks, read on for tips that can save your sanity and preserve your relationships with your neighbors

Buying your first home as a couple is an exciting time. It’s also full of stress. Stress that could potentially put a damper on an otherwise perfect relationship. But if you take the time to think things through and are willing to compromise, you can make it out of the home buying process unscathed. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Determine your priorities. You and your spouse or partner are two completely different people, even if you typically operate as one. While you will eventually put on a unified front, it’s important that you each create a list of priorities separately when it comes to your new home. Once these lists are compiled, you can cross reference to determine the top features you both agree on. Money Crashers notes that things to consider include distance from shopping and work, the amount of home maintenance needed, and whether or not you are seeking a single or multi-level home.Continue reading “Buying Your First Home Together”→